How To Travel Around In The Balkan Region
The Balkan region or southeastern Europe is one of the most exotic tourist destinations of the world. Billions of tourists from all regions of the world throng to this region. The Balkan territory is chiefly characterized by diverse landscapes. It is also home to antique palaces, monuments, and museums. The Balkan region is well connected to different areas through the international airports located in practically all the countries within the Balkan territory.
Chief modes of travel within Balkans
Rail travel
A popular and cheap way of traveling around in the Balkan region is the use of Balkan Flexipass. The Balkan Flexipass allows for unlimited rail trips for five, ten, or fifteen days during a one month period. This pass is valid for travel in the countries of Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. You can purchase the Balkan Flexipass at any of the train stations of the above countries, or through the internet. Trains though sometimes infrequent and slow, nevertheless is one of the most comfortable modes of transport available.
Bus travel
Inter city bus connections are also to be found in the Balkan region. An example is the Croatian intercity bus system. The network this company has created is one of the best in the continent. Split is the hub for buses plying along the coast and those directed towards inland. Buses are usually air conditioned and modern from all aspects. You can purchase the ticket from the bus station itself if you are starting off from a big place like Split. It is prudent to have the ticket bought in advance as seats get filled up fast. Return tickets are usually cheaper. The only limiting factor in this situation is that you have got to return with the same travel company. Generally different company buses travel between two points. Thus the route from Zagreb to Split has buses of several companies amounting to 30 departures daily. Tickets generally have the seat number written on them.
Another bus service in the Balkan region includes buses in Montenegro. The buses connect Montenegro to Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Mostar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The buses also connect to Belgrade in Serbia.
Bus services even link Tirana to Tetovo (Macedonia), Prishtina (Kosovo), Athens (Greece), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Istanbul (Turkey).
Car travel
Car rentals are also available in large numbers for tourists traveling around the Balkan region.
Opportunities to hire a car to explore different parts of the territory are available at competitive prices. Generally when you book a car for traveling around the Balkan region, the total cost also includes liability insurance charges. Thus it saves you of having to pay extra if something untoward happens while you are driving.
You may want to drive into Albania from other countries like Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia or Greece. For this you will require proper documentation and probably insurance. You may also need a visa though lot of regulations has changed. You must thoroughly check insurance and all other documentations before embarking on the journey.
With a number of options to travel around, tourists will find it easier to explore the region.